Rural women make up over a quarter of the total world population. In developing countries, rural women represent approximately 43 per cent of the agricultural labor force. Roughly forty percent of the world’s population lives in drylands, making dryland rural women farmers fundamental for the eradication of poverty, food security, and sustainable development. The International Day of Rural women on the 15th of October gives an opportunity to celebrate, support, and empower rural women farmers, including indigenous women.

For the next month CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Systems is holding a photo contest open to all qualitied candidates celebrating women farmers in drylands! The campaign will focus on the work of rural farmers on the field and their immense contribution to their communities.

CRP Drylands aim to find pictures that communicate powerfully, the way women farmers do in their everyday work. Images should inspire action by showing the importance of women farmers in drylands. Moreover, images should communicate hope, optimism, and the many opportunities for success that await women farmers.  Candidates over the age of thirteen from any country are encouraged to apply! Find the guidelines on the application process here. 

The deadline for sending in photos is 25 September.